Petr PAVEL, President of Czechia, visits the European Parliament in occasion of a formal sitting session. Opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check agaisnt delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

formal sitting

EU - Czechia (T)

PAVEL, Petr

Formal sitting with Petr PAVEL, President of Czechia: opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Dear colleagues, this morning we have the pleasure of welcoming Petr Pavel, the President of Czechia, to the European Parliament. Thank you, President, for being here with us today. This House knows you as a steadfast supporter of European values. As a staunch proponent for better security and defence of our Union. As a strong voice for your country in Europe and the world. Like our European Parliament.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, You have led in condemning Russia's illegal and brutal military invasion of Ukraine and remained a crucial pillar of support. Czechia knows only too well the level of threat we face and how critical it is for the international community to stand as one against oppression and autocracy.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Last year, the Czech Presidency was the driver of groundbreaking legislation and reform. And I will always be proud of what we managed to achieve together in this Parliament. We have shown people that we can deliver. And next June, the European Parliament elections will see the greatest exercise in direct democracy on the continent.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, We need the people of Europe, including those in Czechia, to voice their opinion on their vision for the future of Europe and to hold this union to account. We must continue to build a Europe that represents our values of democracy, unity and hope for all. And I know that together we will manage this.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, So on that note, Mr. President, allow me to thank you for your strong voice, your personal engagement, and your country's commitment to our joint European project. The floor is yours.